Ceremonial stick

Description:
A staff-like object that is carved in three sections and stained. The top has a terminal boss and several parallel bands of carving below. The centre section starts with an anthropoid head facing to its left. which is coloured with white and red pigment, and below that thetre are two bands of carving. The bottom section terminates with a fish shaped body that has a bird-like face and is decorated with red and white spots.

Context:
Sticks such as this usually represent the maternal family clan. They are carried by initiated men or boys in traditional ceremonies, the boys often mimicking lizards or cassowaries as they run.